Molten metal dosing system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for dispensing a measured and adjustable amount of molten lead into a mold and incorporating a self-cleaning valve for controlling the amount of lead dispensed. The valve mechanism includes a tube supplied with molten lead, the lower end thereof being disposed above a trough pivotable for pouring lead into a mold. A substantially cylindrical valve element is slidably receiving in the lower end of the tube with a clearance through which the molten lead flows in the open condition of the valve, such flow washing the valve element and tube to maintain same clean. The valve element has a substantially conical inner end to assist cleaning the inner wall of the tube upon sliding therein and further has a radially extending, tapered sealing portion adapted to close the end of the tube for preventing lead flow therefrom. Means connect the valve element to a slider telescoped on the tube. A pivoted lever connects between a motive power source and gimbal means connected to the slider, the lever being pivotally supported for transferring motion of the motive power source to the slider and valve element with a mechanical advantage. Means coact with the lever for adjustably limiting opening motion of the valve.

United States Patent [191 VanLinder MOLTEN METAL DOSING SYSTEM Ronald C. VanLinder, Watervliet, Mich.

Kalamazoo Manufacturing Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Filed: Nov. 15, 1971 Appl. No.: 198,686

Inventor:

[73] Assignee:

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1967 Calderon 164/337 X 8/1936 Coffelder 251/147 X 2,882,567 4/1959 Deakins et a1. 164/337 X 2,077,460 4/1937 Coffelder 251/147 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 217,727 5/1961 Austria ZZZ/DIG. 4

Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerDavid A. Scherbel Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Woodhams, Blanchard & Flynn 5 7] ABSTRACT Apparatus for dispensing a measured and adjustable amount of molten lead into a mold and incorporating a self-cleaning valve for controlling the amount of lead dispensed. The valve mechanism includes a tube supplied with molten lead, the lower end thereof being disposed above a trough pivotable for pouring lead into a mold. A substantially cylindrical valve element is slidably receiving in the lower end of the tube with a clearance through which the molten lead flows in the open condition of the valve, such flow washing the valve element and tube to maintain same clean. The valve element has a substantially conical inner end to assist cleaning the inner wall of the tube upon sliding therein and further has a radially extending, tapered sealing portion adapted to close the end of the tube for preventing lead flow therefrom. Means connect the valve element to a slider telescoped on the tube. A pivoted lever connects between a motive power source and gimbal means connected to the slider, the lever being pivotally supported for transferring motion of the motive power source to the slider and valve element with a mechanical advantage. Means coact with the lever for adjustably limiting opening motion of the valve.

9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures MOLTEN METAL DOSING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for measuring and dispensing molten metals and more particularly relates to such apparatus including a self-cleaning valve for dispensing a precisely adjustable volume of molten lead into a mold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The apparatus embodying the invention was developed for charging a battery plate mold with an adjustable and precisely predetermined amount of molten lead. Further, the apparatus embodying the invention was developed for operation with an automatic battery grid casting machine, for example, of the type shown in Winkel US. Pat. No. 2,763,039. Accordingly the invention will be described in terms of apparatus for said use, but it will be understood that the invention is applicable to other uses in addition and that such specific reference will be for convenience in description and not limiting.

A number of approaches have been attempted in the past for dispensing a precisely metered amount of molten metal such as lead to a mold. For example, attempts have been made to incorporate valves into the molten lead feed line. Such prior valve arrangements have been generally unsatisfactory for several reasons, including failure to closely meter the amount of lead dispensed. Further, the lead, in passing through the valve, tends to leave a residue of solidified or semisolidified material in and about the valve mechanism, coating the sealing surfaces thereof, which after even a short period of use may prevent complete closure of the valve so that the valve tends to drip and thereby waste lead or cause overfilling of the mold with consequent wasteage and/or creation of a requirement for frequent cleaning around the mold and dispensing apparatus. Further, the molten lead dispensed may in time attack the material of the valve elements, requiring replacement of valve elements to maintain proper operation of the valve. Also, prior valves frequently have required considerable labor and down time of the dispensing apparatus and associated casting machine, for removal and replacement of such damaged valve elements.

These disadvantages have lead many persons of skill in the art away from the use of a valve in the lead feed line. Thus, a number of other metering arrangements have been attempted. One which has provided some success has been the use of a metering trap chamber. However, the equipment required for implementing the metered dispensing of molten lead by such means has often been space-consuming and has usually involved considerable contact of the molten lead with air prior to its being supplied to the mold thereby enhancing the risk of formation of a skim of lead oxide or contaminants on the surface of the lead which may be detrimental.

Accordingly, the objects of this invention include the provision of:

1. Apparatus for dispensing molten lead into a mold and particularly adapted for use in filling a battery plate mold, and which is capable of delivering a precisely adjustable charge of molten metal to such mold.

2. Apparatus, as aforesaid, which incorporates a valve in cooperation with the molten lead feed line and in which the elements of the valve are self-cleaning so as to substantially reduce the risk of inadequate closure of the valve and consequent leakage therefrom.

3. Apparatus, as aforesaid, in which the coacting valve elements are each readily replaceable at low cost and with minimal expenditure of time and effort should either thereof become damaged for any reason.

4. Apparatus, as aforesaid, which is readily constructable at low cost from commonly available materials, which is adaptable to production in large or small quantities, which is adaptable to a wide variety of molding machines and particularly of battery plate casting machines, which does not require machining of parts to unusually close tolerances and which operates effectively over long periods of use under adverse conditions with little or no maintenance.

5. Apparatus, as aforesaid, in which contact of the molten lead with the surrounding atmosphere is minimized and takes place only after dispensing of a metered amount of molten lead has taken place.

6. An apparatus, as aforesaid, in which linkage connecting motive power means to the valve has a substantial mechanical advantage so as to require substantial movement of the motive power means for a relatively small movement of the movable valve element, whereby precise control of the amount of the valve opening is obtained.

7. An apparatus, as aforesaid, providing failsafe control of dispensing of lead from the valve.

Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with apparatus of this general type upon reading the following specification and examining the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially broken and fragmentary side elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged central cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 including the valve.

FIG. 3 is a partially broken cross-sectional view substantially taken on the line IIIlII of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view substantially taken on the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlargement, partially in cross-section, of a fragment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the valve in an open condition.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, partially broken, side elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view substantially taken on the line VIII-Vlll of FIG. 7.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. The words up, down, right and left will designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words in and out will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include derivatives and words of similar import.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing apparatus for dispensing a measured and adjustable amount of molten lead into a mold and incorporating a self-cleaning valve for controlling the amount of lead dispensed. The valve mechanism includes a tube supplied with molten lead, the lower end thereof being disposed above a trough pivotable for pouring lead into a mold. A substantially cylindrical valve element is slidably receivable in the lower end of the tube with a clearance through which molten lead flows when the valve is open, such flow washing the valve element and adjacent interior of the tube to keep same clean. The valve element has a substantially conical inner end to assist cleaning the inner wall of the tube upon sliding thereinto and further has a radially extending, tapered sealing portion adapted to close the end of the tube for preventing lead flow therefrom. Means connect the valve element to a slider telescoped on the tube. A pivoted lever connects between a motive power source and gimbal means connected to the slider, the lever being pivotally supported for transferring motion of the motive power source to the slider and valve element with a mechanical advantage. Means coact with the lever for adjustably limiting the: opening of the valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The apparatus (FIG. 1) embodying the invention includes a frame 11 fixed with respect to a casting machine, such as a conventional battery grid casting machine, not shown. Such machine includes a battery plate mold 12. The frame 1 1 here comprises a substantially horizontal elongate frame member 13 having a pair of pendently fixed parallel leg members 14 located adjacent the leftward end thereof and connected along a portion of their length by a vertical plate 15.

A molten metal, here molten lead, conduit system 17 includes a pipe 18 connected to a source of molten lead M and is connected to a preferably substantially vertical outlet tube 19. The leftward end of the pipe 18 here terminates in a tee 20 having a cross head, the lower end of which connects through hollowed threaded couplings 21 and 22 to the upper end of the tube 19 for establishing fluid communication between the pipe 18 and tube 19. The tube 19 is readily removable, by unthreading the coupling 21 (or the coupling 22) from the remainder of the conduit system 17, for replacement or repair. The conduit system 17 is fixed with respect to the frame 11, here by a threaded element 23 engaging the upper end of the cross head of the tee 20 and the lower end of an internally threaded member 24 secured as by welding to the leftward end of the frame member 13. A plug 26 seals the upper end of the member 24.

Means 27, for example, a liquid or gaseous fuel burner of any conventional type, is provided adjacent the conduit system 17 for heating same to maintain the lead therein liquid.

The tube 19 comprises a portion of a valve assembly 29 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The valve assembly further includes a support unit 31 which carries a movable valve element 30. The support unit 31 comprises a hollow, substantially cylindrical and elongated slider 32 snugly but slidably telescoped over the tube 19. A support plate 33 is normally positioned below the lower end of the tube 19 and extends radially therebeyond. The plate 33 preferably has substantially the same outer diameter as the slider 32 and is vertically spaced therefrom and fixed thereto by an openwork here comprising a pair of circumferentially spaced, upstanding rods 36. The rods 36 depend from the lower end of the slider 32 and are preferably spaced radially outwardly of the tube 19. Thus, the rods 36 and plate 33 move axially with respect to the tube 19 as the slider 32 slides axially therealong.

The movable valve element 30 is preferably a monolithic member having an intermediate cylindrical portion 38 (FIG. 5) slideable in the tube 19 adjacent the lower end thereof and with a radial clearance of about one-sixteenth inch. The valve element 30 includes an upwardly tapering inner end 39, here of conical form, which extends upwardly from the central cylindrical portion 38. The valve element 30 further includes an axially outer end portion 40 which tapers downwardly and outwardly from the intermediate portion 38 and is preferably of frustoconical form, the minimum and maximum diameters of said outer end portion 40 being, respectively, less than and substantially greater than the internal diameter of the lower end of the tube 19. The periphery of the outer end portion 40 of the movable valve element 30 is capable of seating snugly, when positioned as shown in FIG. 5, against the radially inner edge 41 of the lower end of the tube 19 for preventing flow of molten lead downwardly out of the lower end of the tube 19 and thus for effecting closure of the valve assembly 29. The conical inner end 39 of the valve element 31 coacts with the interior wall of the tube 19 to remove any solidified or partially solidified deposits of lead, lead oxide or contaminants of any other kind from such wall as it moves upwardly into the tube 19 during closing of the valve. The lower edge 41 of the tube 19 effects a similar scraping or cleaning action on the cylindrical portion 33 of the movable valve element during closure of the valve assembly 29. With the outer end portion 40 of the valve element 30 displaced downwardly from the end of the tube 19 (as in FIG. 6), the valve is open and molten lead flows downwardly between the inner wall of the tube and the cylindrical and outer portions of the valve element 30, providing a washing action on such opposed surfaces. Thus, the valve assembly 29 is self-cleaning.

The valve element 1 is fixed at its lower end 43 on the support plate 33, preferably centrally thereof, in coaxial alignment with the tube 19 and slider 32 by means enabling rapid removal of the valve element 31. More particularly, a screw 44 (FIG. 2) extends upwardly through the support plate 33 and into threaded engage ment with a corresponding threaded opening in the lower end of the movable valve element 31.

A valve actuating assembly 46 (FIG. 1) is provided for supporting and moving the movable portions of the valve assembly 29 with respect to the tube 19 thereof for opening and closing the valve. The actuating assembly 46 includes an elongated lever 47 pivotally mounted by a pin 48 intermediate the ends thereof, and preferably closer to the left-ward end thereof, between the leg members 14 of the frame 11. The valve assembly 29 is carried by the lever 47 adjacent the leftward end thereof. Motor and adjustment means 50, hereinafter described, coact with the lever 47 adjacent the rightward end thereof.

The interconnection of the lever 47 and valve assembly 29 includes a generally U-shaped yoke 51 (FIGS. 1 and 3) extending leftwardly from the leftward end of the. lever 47. The'yoke 51 includes a bight 52 preferably centered on and secured to the end of the lever 47 by welding and a pair of spaced, parallel arms 53 which extend substantially leftwardly from the ends of the bight 52 and are fixed thereto by any convenient means such as welding. The arms 53 are, in the normal range of motion of the lever 47, diametrically and preferably equally spaced from the tube 19 and slider 32.

A gimbal assembly 55 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) supports the slider 32 on the yoke 51 for linear movement along the tube 19 in response to arcuate movement of the yoke. The gimbal assembly 55 includes a pair of screws 56, preferably hand screws, having threaded shanks 57 which thread inwardly through suitable openings in the yoke arms 53 in diametral relation with respect to the tube 19. The opposed inner ends of the screw shanks 57 terminate in coaxial pinlike extensions 58 which extend inwardly beyond the yoke arms 53 but are spaced radially outwardly from the slider 32. A ring 59 is movably disposed between the yoke arms 53 and substantially coaxially surrounds, with clearance, the slider 32. The extensions 58 of the screws 56 are disposed in diametrally aligned openings in the ring 59 for pivotally supporting said ring with respect to said yoke.

The slider 32 is provided with an outwardly opening, annular groove 61, preferably of rectangular crosssection, adjacent the upper end thereof. The ring 59 fixedly carries a pair of diametrically opposed and inwardly extending pins 62 which snugly but slideably enter the groove 61 in the slider 32. The spacing of the ends of the pins 58 is greater than the minimum diameter of the groove 61. The common axis of the pins 62 preferably is at right angles to the common axis of the pinlike extensions 58, and the pins 62 preferably are evenly circumferentially spaced from the pinlike extensions 58.

The motor and adjustment means 50 here includes a pressure fluid cylinder 65 (FIG. 1) pivotally dependent from the frame member 13 and having a substantially downwardly extending piston rod 66 engageable with the lever 47 adjacent the rightward end thereof through a clevis 67 and pivot pin 68. Thus, extension of the piston rod 66 will, through the lever 47, close the valve assembly 29. The cylinder 65 may be of any convenient, conventional type but preferably is a double acting cylinder having spring means (not shown) and which may be external as a supplemental means for urging the piston rod 66 to an extended position (for closing the valve assembly 29) in the absence of a contrary fluid input thereto. The fluid input ports of the cylinder 65, one of which is shown at 69, may be connected to any convenient pressure fluid source (not shown).

The motor and adjustment means 50 further includes a valve opening adjuster 75 comprising an angle bracket 76 fixed to the cylinder 65 above the lever 47. A hand adjustable screw 77 threads downwardly through the bracket 76 to limit upward movement of the piston rod 66 and rightward end of lever 47 and thereby limit downward and opening movement of the movable valve element 31. A lock nut 78 on the screw 77 engages the bracket 76 to prevent inadvertent movement of the screw 77 out of a desired position of adjustment.

A pan or trough 80 (FIG. 1) is provided below the valve assembly 29. The trough is pivotally mounted, preferably at the leftward lower corner thereof as indicated at 81, and the upper leftward edge 82 thereof forms a pouring lip which when the trough is tilted in a counterclockwise direction from its position shown in FIG. 1 lies above and adjacent the sprue, or input opening, 83 of the mold 12 in such manner that the contents of the trough 80 will pour therefrom into the mold 12 to fill the mold. When positioned substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. 1, the trough is located for filling with a metered amount of molten lead from the valve 29. The valve assembly 29 preferably extends downwardly somewhat into the trough 80, as shown in FIG. 1, to minimize splashing when the valve opens to flow molten lead into the trough.

OPERATION Although the operation of the apparatus described above will be understood from the foregoing description by skilled persons, a summary of such description is now given for convenience.

The valve assembly 29 is normally maintained closed at least by means of the above-mentioned spring (not shown) associated with the cylinder 65, and normally in addition by an appropriate fluid pressure input, to maintain the piston rod 66 extended. In such condition, cylindrical portion 38 of the valve element 31 is fully inserted into the lower end of the tube 19, the bottom tube edge 41 and valve element outer end portion 40 are in sealing contact (as shown in FIG. 2) and the slider 32 is elevated on the tube 19. Molten lead from the heated source M is applied through the pipe 18, tee 20 and fittings 21 and 22 to the tube 19, the burner 27 maintaining the lead in the conduit system 17 in a free flowing, molten condition. The trough 80 is positioned in its filling, or horizontal, position of FIG. 1.

To transfer a metered amount of molten lead from the conduit system 17 to the trough 80, the pressure fluid cylinder 65 is actuated for retraction via the port 69, causing the piston rod 66 to retract until the rightward portion of the lever 47 contacts the lower end of the adjustment screw 77, the latter screw having previously been adjusted to provide for the desired length of extension of the piston rod 66. Such pivots the lever 47, in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 1, about the pivot pin 48, causing the yoke 51 to move downwardly in an arcuate path. The lever 47 is preferably substantially at right angles to the tube 19 at the median point of its path, so as to minimize, to the extent possible, the horizontal component of motion of the yoke 51 during its arcuate travel. By reason of the interconnection of the yoke with the slider 32 through the gimbal assembly 55, such downward arcuate motion of the yoke 51 results in a corresponding linear, downward travel of the moveable portion of the valve assembly 29, including the slider 32, along the tube 19.

During such arcuate movement of the yoke 51, the pinlike extensions 58 allow the ring 59 to maintain itself substantially in a radial plane of the tube 19 despite inclination of the U-shaped yoke 51. Also, the spacing of the inner ends of the pins 62 from the radially inner face of the groove 61 permits the ring 59 to move leftwardly or rightwardly with the yoke 51 during such arcuate movement of such yoke while permitting the slider 32 to move only axially along the tube 19.

Upon completion of the counterclockwise movement of the lever 47, the valve element 31 will, depending on the adjustment of the screw 77, assume an open position substantially similar to that of FIG. 6, wherein the outer portion 40 of the valve element 30 is spaced below the end of the tube 19 along with only a part of the cylindrical portion 38 thereof. Thus, molten lead flows through the elongate, annular space, generally indicated at 85, between the cylindrical portion 38 of the movable valve element 30 and the lower portion of the tube 19 from the tube 19 into the trough 80. The cross-sectional size of the flow space 85 is substantially independent of the location of the movable valve element 31, over a relatively wide range of valve element travel. Thus, the rate of flow of molten lead from the tube 19 will be substantially the same though the valve element 30 be located somewhat above or below its position of FIG. 6. Thus, actuation of the cylinder 65 for a predetermined amount of time results in flow of a predetermined amount of molten lead into the trough 80. Thereafter, the cylinder 65 is extended, whereby the rod 66 thereof again extends to return the apparatus to its condition of FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the valve assembly 29 is closed.

The material in the trough 80 may then be transferred to the mold 12 by tipping of the trough in a counterclockwise direction, by any conventional means (not shown).

With the valve open as above described, the molten lead flowing through the elongate annular space 85 tends to wash or flush the opposed walls of the tube 19 and the cylindrical and outer portions 38 and 40 of the valve element 30. Such washing action occurs each time the valve is opened and while it remains open, thereby keeping the valve surfaces and annular space 85 clean, and thereby enabling reliable and sure valve closure and a repeatable lead flow rate when the valve is open. Also, and secondarily as the movable valve element 30 moves upwardly from its position of FIG. 6 and toward its position of FIG. 2, the tapered inner end 39, particularly adjacent its juncture 86, (FIG. with the cylindrical portion 38, will tend to displace any large material mass which may be clinging to the inner wall of the tube 19 and force same upwardly therewith into contact with molten material in the tube and thus further act to prevent a build-up of solidifying lead, etc., within the lower portion of the tube 19. Similarly, the lower edge 41 of the tube 19 tends to scuff off any large material mass clinging to the cylindrical portion 38 of the movable valve element 30 causing same to drop onto the plate 33 for removal when convenient.

In this way, the cooperating valve parts 19 and 31 are cleaned during use.

The relatively sealing parts of the valve assembly 29 may readily be replaced. More particularly, the movable valve element 31 may be quickly removed simply by opening the valve and removing the screw 42. Replacement with a new valve element is carried out in the reverse manner. Similarly, the tube 19 may readily be removed by unscrewing the coupling 22 fixed thereto and, if the tube 19 is sufficiently short, by moving same upwardly and out of the slider 32 when such slider is in its lowermost position. In the event of a somewhat longer tube 19 as shown, replacement of the tube 19 is effected by removal of the screws 56 to allow downward removal of the ring 59 and slider 32 from the tube 19, whereafter the coupling 22 may be unscrewed to remove the tube 19 from the remainder of the apparatus. Replacement of the tube 19 is carried out in the reverse manner.

MODIFICATION The modified apparatus 90 of FIGS. 7 and 8 is preferably substantially similar to the apparatus described above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 6, except as hereinafter described. Portions of the apparatus 90 similar to portions of the above described apparatus 10 will be referred to by the same reference numerals thereas, with he suffix A affixed thereto.

The apparatus flattens the arcuate path taken by the yoke 51A during opening and closing movement of the valve assembly 29A, that is, to render the movement of the yoke 51A more nearly linearly aligned with the axis of the tube 19A. At the same time, the apparatus 90 provides greater accuracy in controlling the amount of opening movement in the valve assembly 29A by increasing the stroke of the piston rod 66A of the cylinder 65A required to affect a given length of movement of the slider 32A. Other and additional advantages of the apparatus 90 will be apparent from the following description.

The primary differences between the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 7 are in the frame and in the actuating assembly.

More particularly, the frame 11A of FIG. 7 differs in that the horizontal frame member 13A dependently supports a pair of depending leg members 92 and 93 disposed, respectively, at the end of the frame member 13A remote from the conduit system 17A and intermediate the leg 92 and conduit system 17A.

The actuating assembly 46A differs as follows. The lever 47A is pivoted adjacent its end remote from the yoke 51A, as indicated in 94 intermediate the ends of the depending leg member 92. The intermediate portion of the lever 47A extends in close proximity to and past the leg member 93.

The cylinder 65A is pivotally mounted at 95 adjacent the lower end of the leg 92 and extends substantially rightwardly therefrom. The free end of the piston rod 66A connects through the clevis 67A and pivot pin 68A to transfer means 96 incorporating a mechanical advantage and in turn connected to the lever 47A intermediate its ends. The transfer means 96 includes an elongate crankarm 97 and means defining a shorter crankarm fixed thereto and supported for pivotal movement, at 98, on and adjacent the lower end of the pendant frame leg 93. The aforementioned means defining a short crankarm is operatively connected to the lever 47A for pivoting same to affect a relatively small movement of the yoke 51A in response to a relatively large movement of the lower, free end of the longer crankarm 97. In the particular embodiment shown, said short crankarm is defined by a sprocket 100. More particularly, the sprocket 100 is disposed below the normal path of swing of the lever 47A and a further sprocket 101 preferably coplanar with the sprocket 100 is pivotally mounted at 102 on the pendant frame leg member 93 above the path of swing of the lever 47A. An endless chain 103 is carried on and by the sprockets 100 and 101 and orbits in response rotation of the lower sprocket 100. A clamp 104 of any conventional type is fixed on the lever arm 47A and grips the leftward reach of the chain 103. The lower, free end of the long crankarm 97 is pivotally connected to the piston rod 66A.

Thus, extension of the piston rod 66A effects a counterclockwise rotation of the crankarm 97 and of the sprocket 101 and therefore a counterclockwise orbiting of the chain 103. This causes downward pivotal movement of the lever 47A and its yoke 51A to affect downward, opening movement of the movable elements of the valve assembly 29A.

The cylinder 65A differs from the cylinder 65 in that it is preferably spring and fluid biased to retract and fluid energized to extend, thereby providing for automatic closure of the valve 29A in response to a failure of fluid input thereto.

The clamp 104 may be, as shown in FIG. 7, approximately half way between the pivot connection at the ends of the lever 47A. Indeed, the clamp 104 prefera bly is more closely spaced to the yoke end of the lever, whereby the arcuate motion of the pivotal connection between the yoke 51A and slider 32A will be no more than twice, and preferably will be less than twice, the corresponding movement of the clamp 104. On the other hand, the long crankarm 97 is at least twice, and preferably is three to eight times the effective radius of the sprocket 100 so that the piston rod 66A must move through a relatively long travel to affect a substantially shorter travel of the slider 32A. In this way, control of the length of stroke of the cylinder 65A (for example, by adjustment means 75A similar to the adjustment means 75 of FIG. 1 and disposed in the path of the piston rod 66A) will more precisely control the distance of opening movement of the valve 29A.

The apparatus 90 includes a time delay valve T interposed in the fluid supply line between the source S of pressure fluid and the input terminal 69A of the fluid cylinder 65A. The time delay valve T is preferably a solenoid operated device of conventional type which opens and, after a time delay, recloses in response to actuation of a switch 106. Suitable, and preferably mechanical, means schematically indicated at 107 are connected to the trough 80A and respond to return of the trough 80A to its horizontal, lead receiving position shown in FIG. 7 for operating the switch 106 to open the valve 29A. It is contemplated that a similar arrangement may be used with the apparatus of FIG. 1.

Thus, actuation of switch 106, as by return of the trough 80A to its horizontal position, opens delay valve T to cause fluid flow to the cylinder 65A for extending same. Such extension of the cylinder 65A results in counterclockwise movement of the crankarm 97, sprocket 101, and chain 103 and a corresponding clockwise pivoting of the lever arm 47A whereby to move the slider 32A downwardly to open the valve 29A and supply an amount of molten lead to the trough 80A dependent on the time the valve 29A is open. After a time sufficient to insure flow of a desired amount of molten lead from the valve 29A into the trough 80A, the delay valve T times out and closes, the cylinder 65A retracts and the valve 29A is closed. The trough 80A is then tipped in a clockwise direction about its pivot 81A to fill the mold 12A.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

I claim:

I. In a casting device, a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a preselected quantity of molten metal from a supply thereof, the combination comprising:

an outlet tube connected to said supply and having an open end through which said molten metal may flow, said tube having a substantially cylindrical interior wall extending from said open end and defining therewith an inner edge;

a valve element having an elongate cylindrical midportion in and moveable along said tube and shorter interior and exterior end portions, said elongate cylindrical midportion being radially spaced from said cylindrical interior tube wall by an elongate annular molten metal flow path therebetween, the cross-sectional size of such annular flow path remaining substantially constant over the range of valve element travel or allowing a substantially constant molten metal flow rate therethrough and for flushing the opposed tube wall and valve element midportion during dispensing, said exterior portion tapering outwardly from said midportion radially beyond said tube inner edge and being engageable with said tube inner edge to seal said tube open end;

support means axially slideably carried on said tube and supporting said valve element for movement substantially coaxially of said tube to open and close the tube open end;

actuating means for reciprocating said support means axially on said tube and means limiting such reciprocation to retain said midportion at least partially in said tube;

means proximate to said end of said tube for receiving a measured amount of molten metal therefrom in response to opening and subsequent closing of said tube by said valve element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said receptacle means comprises a pivoted pan moveable between a substantially horizontal, upwardly opening location and a tilted location whereat molten metal contained in said pan will flow outwardly therefrom, said tube and valve element and a portion of said supporting means normally lying within and below the top of said pan in spaced relation to the bottom thereof and side walls thereof when said pan is in said substantially horizontal position, said tube extending substantially upwardly from said pan whereby movement of said valve element from said open end of said tube allows flow of molten metal from the tube into said pan preparatory to tipping of said pan and passing of said molten metal therefrom.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said support means includes a slider telescoped on and slideable on said tube and pendantly supports said valve element adjacent the lower end of said slider, said slider being circumferentially grooved, said actuating means including a ring disposed loosely around said slider and having diametral pins disposed in and normally spaced from the radially inner wall of said slider groove for permitting limited transverse movement between said ring and slider, yoke means pivotally engaging said ring on an axis transverse to said diametral pins and means remote from said slider for pivotally supporting and driving said yoke means for arcurate movement substantially tangential to the axis of said tube.

4. In a casting device, a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a preselected quantity of molten metal from a supply thereof, the combination comprising:

an outlet tube connected to said supply and having an open end through which said molten metal may flow;

a substantially cylindrical valve element slideable in said oepn end of said tube and including an elongate cylindrical mid-portion radially spaced from the inside of the tube for providing a washing action due to molten metal flow therepast, said valve element also including an inner end within said tube, said valve element further including an outwardly extending seal portion remote from said inner end and arranged for contacting the open end of said tube for preventing flow of molten metal in said tube outwardly therepast;

support means supporting said valve element for movement substantially coaxially of said tube into and out of the open end thereof, said support means comprising a hollow, substantially cylindrical slider snugly but slideably telescoped over said tube, a support plate fixed to said enlarged end of said valve element in spaced substantially perpendicular relationship to said tube, said support plate extending radially beyond said tube, and connection means extending axially between and interconnecting said support plate and said slider, said connection means defining at least one opening extending radially outwardly therepast for permitting molten metal flow radially of said support plate when said valve element is positioned to allow molten metal flow from the open end of said tube;

actuating means for reciprocating said support means axially with respect to said tube;

receptacle means proximate to said end of said tube for receiving a measured amount of molten metal therefrom in response to opening and subsequent closing of said tube by said valve element.

5. in a casting device, a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a preselected quantity of molten metal from a supply thereof the combination comprising:

an outlet tube connected to said supply and having an open end through which said molten metal may flow;

a substantially cylindrical valve element slideable in said open end of said tube and including an elongate cylindrical mid-portion radially spaced from the inside of the tube for providing a washing action due to molten metal flow therepast, said valve element also including an inner end within said tube, said valve element further including an outwardly extending seal portion remote from said inner end and arranged for contacting the open end of said tube for preventing flow of molten metal in said tube outwardly therepast;

support means supporting said valve element for movement substantially coaxially of said tube into and out of the open end thereof;

actuating means for reciprocating said support means axially with respect to said tube, said support means including a slider telescoped over said tube and rigidly connected with respect to said valve element for mutual coaxial movement with respect to said tube and in which said actuating means includes linear motor means having a moveable output element, a pivoted linkage system having a fixed pivot point and a connection to said output element at a point remote from said fixed pivot point and gimbal means interconnecting a further point of said linkage system spaced from said fixed pivot point and said output element to said slider whereby arcuate movement of portions of the link-' age system resulting from linear movement of said motor means results in linear motion of said slider and said valve element substantially coaxially of said tube for opening and closing said open end of said tube;

receptacle means proximate to said end of said tube for receiving a measured amount of molten metal therefrom in response to opening and subsequent closing of said tube by said valve element.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said gimbal means comprises a yoke connected to said linkage system and having a pair of spaced arms disposed on opposite sides of the axis of said tube, a ring substantially coaxially surrounding said slider, a first set of diametral pins extending transversely of said tube on opposite sides thereof and supported by the opposed arms of said yoke and diametrally supporting said ring for pivotal movement with respect to said yoke, a second set of diametral pins extending radially inwardly from said ring and substantially evenly circumferentially spaced from said first set of pins, said slider having an annular groove for receiving therewithin the inner ends of said second set of pins for supporting said slider on said ring, said slider being rotatable with respect to said ring about the axis of said tube, whereby said slider moves linearly along said tube in response to arcuate movement of said yoke.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said linkage system comprises a lever, said output element being connected adjacent one end of said lever and said support means being connected adjacent the other end of said lever, said pivot point being located intermediate the ends of said lever and closer to said support means than to said output element.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said linkage system comprises a lever pivotally secured at one end to said support means and mounted for pivotal movement adjacent the other end thereof at said pivot point, said output means being connected to said lever intermediate said ends thereof at a location closer to said support means than to said pivot point, said linear motor means comprising a pivotally mounted fluid cylinder having a reciprocable piston rod, crank means pivotally mounted at fixed point near said lever and remote from said pivot point thereof, said crank means including a first elongate crank arm connected to said output rod and means defining a second crank arm substantially shorter than said first crank arm and pivotally movable therewith, said means defining said second crank arm being connected to said lever for moving said support means through a relatively short distance sufficient to open and close said valve in response to a substantially longer travel of said output rod.

9. The apparatus of claim 9 in which said second crank arm comprises a first sprocket and including a second sprocket mounted for rotation at a fixed point spaced from said first mentioned sprocket and on the opposite side of said lever therefrom, an endless chain carried by said first and second sprockets and having a reach passing adjacent to said lever for movement in a plane parallel to the plane of pivotal movement of said lever and further including means fixedly engaging said lever to a portion of said reach of said chain intermediate said sprockets whereby rotation of said first mentioned sprocket results in pivotal movement of said lever and of said valve element for opening and closing said open end of said tube.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PatentNo. 3 786 962 Dated January 22, 1974 Inventor-(x) Ronald C. VanLinder It is certified thaterror appears in the abow re-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 10, line" 6; change "or" to for-.

Col. 10, lines 26 and 27; change "receptacle means" to means proximate to said end-.

Col. 10, line 31; change "supporting" to support--.

Col. 10, line 67; change "an" to --ar1 enlarged end defining an--. I

Col. 12, line 35; change "means" to element-- I Col. 12, line 42; change "output" to --piston- Col. 12, line 49; change "output" to --piston-'-'-.

Col. 12, line 50; change "Claim 9' to --Claim Col. 12 line 58; change "means" to means comprising said output element for- Signed and sealed this 9th da of July 1971+.

(SEAL) Attest: I I

MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. c. MARSHALL DANN I I mtgfiihg IOffia?Mmfmwm p Commissioner of Patents FORM P0405!) (IO-69) uscoMM-oc 60376-P69 0.5. GOVIIIIIIIIIT PRINTING OFFICE LII... O- J 6- J34, 

1. In a casting device, a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a preselected quantity of molten metal from a supply thereof, the combination comprising: an outlet tube connected to said supply and having an open end through which said molten metal may flow, said tube having a substantially cylindrical interior wall extending from said open end and defining therewith an inner edge; a valve element having an elongate cylindrical midportion in and moveable along said tube and shorter interior and exterior end portions, said elongate cylindrical midportion being radially spaced from said cylindrical interior tube wall by an elongate annular molten metal flow path therebetween, the crosssectional size of such annular flow path remaining substantially constant over the range of valve element travel or allowing a substantially constant molten metal flow rate therethrough and for flushing the opposed tube wall and valve element midportion during dispensing, said exterior portion tapering outwardly from said midportion radially beyond said tube inner edge and being engageable with said tube inner edge to seal said tube open end; support means axially slideably carried on said tube and supporting said valve element for movement substantially coaxially of said tube to open and close the tube open end; actuating means for reciprocating said support means axially on said tube and means limiting such reciprocation to retain said midportion at least partially in said tube; means proximate to said end of said tube for receiving a measured amount of molten metal therefrom in response to opening and subsequent closing of said tube by said valve element.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said receptacle means comprises a pivoted pan moveable between a substantially horizontal, upwardly opening location and a tilted location whereat molten metal contained in said pan will flow outwardly therefrom, said tube and valve element and a portion of said supporting means normally lying within and below the top of said pan in spaced relation to the bottom thereof and side walls thereof when said pan is in said substantially horizontal position, said tube extending substantially upwardly from said pan whereby movement of said valve element from said open end of said tube allows flow of molten metal from the tube into said pan preparatory to tipping of said pan and passing of said molten metal therefrom.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said support means includes a slider telescoped on and slideable on said tube and pendantly supports said valve element adjacent the lower end of said slider, said slider being circumferentially grooved, said actuating means including a ring disposed loosely around said slider and having diametral pins disposed in and normally spaced from the radially inner wall of said slider groove for permitting limited transverse movement between said ring and slider, yoke means pivotally engaging said ring on an axis transverse to said diametral pins and means remote from said slider for pivotally supporting and driving said yoke means for arcurate movement substantially tangential to the axis of said tube.
 4. In a casting device, a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a preselected quantity of molten metal from a supply thereof, the combination comprising: an outlet tube connected to said supply and having an open end through which said molten metal may flow; a substantially cylindrical valve element slideable in said oepn end of said tube and including an elongate cylindrical mid-portion radially spaced from the inside of the tube for providing a washing action due to molten metal flow therepast, said valve element also including an inner end within said tube, said valve element further including an outwardly extending seal portion remote from said inner end and arranged for contacting the open end of said tube for preventing flow of molten metal in said tube outWardly therepast; support means supporting said valve element for movement substantially coaxially of said tube into and out of the open end thereof, said support means comprising a hollow, substantially cylindrical slider snugly but slideably telescoped over said tube, a support plate fixed to said enlarged end of said valve element in spaced substantially perpendicular relationship to said tube, said support plate extending radially beyond said tube, and connection means extending axially between and interconnecting said support plate and said slider, said connection means defining at least one opening extending radially outwardly therepast for permitting molten metal flow radially of said support plate when said valve element is positioned to allow molten metal flow from the open end of said tube; actuating means for reciprocating said support means axially with respect to said tube; receptacle means proximate to said end of said tube for receiving a measured amount of molten metal therefrom in response to opening and subsequent closing of said tube by said valve element.
 5. In a casting device, a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a preselected quantity of molten metal from a supply thereof the combination comprising: an outlet tube connected to said supply and having an open end through which said molten metal may flow; a substantially cylindrical valve element slideable in said open end of said tube and including an elongate cylindrical mid-portion radially spaced from the inside of the tube for providing a washing action due to molten metal flow therepast, said valve element also including an inner end within said tube, said valve element further including an outwardly extending seal portion remote from said inner end and arranged for contacting the open end of said tube for preventing flow of molten metal in said tube outwardly therepast; support means supporting said valve element for movement substantially coaxially of said tube into and out of the open end thereof; actuating means for reciprocating said support means axially with respect to said tube, said support means including a slider telescoped over said tube and rigidly connected with respect to said valve element for mutual coaxial movement with respect to said tube and in which said actuating means includes linear motor means having a moveable output element, a pivoted linkage system having a fixed pivot point and a connection to said output element at a point remote from said fixed pivot point and gimbal means interconnecting a further point of said linkage system spaced from said fixed pivot point and said output element to said slider whereby arcuate movement of portions of the linkage system resulting from linear movement of said motor means results in linear motion of said slider and said valve element substantially coaxially of said tube for opening and closing said open end of said tube; receptacle means proximate to said end of said tube for receiving a measured amount of molten metal therefrom in response to opening and subsequent closing of said tube by said valve element.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said gimbal means comprises a yoke connected to said linkage system and having a pair of spaced arms disposed on opposite sides of the axis of said tube, a ring substantially coaxially surrounding said slider, a first set of diametral pins extending transversely of said tube on opposite sides thereof and supported by the opposed arms of said yoke and diametrally supporting said ring for pivotal movement with respect to said yoke, a second set of diametral pins extending radially inwardly from said ring and substantially evenly circumferentially spaced from said first set of pins, said slider having an annular groove for receiving therewithin the inner ends of said second set of pins for supporting said slider on said ring, said slider being rotatable with respect to said ring about the axis of said tube, whereby said slider moves linearly along said tube in response to arcuate movement of said yoke.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said linkage system comprises a lever, said output element being connected adjacent one end of said lever and said support means being connected adjacent the other end of said lever, said pivot point being located intermediate the ends of said lever and closer to said support means than to said output element.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said linkage system comprises a lever pivotally secured at one end to said support means and mounted for pivotal movement adjacent the other end thereof at said pivot point, said output means being connected to said lever intermediate said ends thereof at a location closer to said support means than to said pivot point, said linear motor means comprising a pivotally mounted fluid cylinder having a reciprocable piston rod, crank means pivotally mounted at fixed point near said lever and remote from said pivot point thereof, said crank means including a first elongate crank arm connected to said output rod and means defining a second crank arm substantially shorter than said first crank arm and pivotally movable therewith, said means defining said second crank arm being connected to said lever for moving said support means through a relatively short distance sufficient to open and close said valve in response to a substantially longer travel of said output rod.
 9. The apparatus of claim 9 in which said second crank arm comprises a first sprocket and including a second sprocket mounted for rotation at a fixed point spaced from said first mentioned sprocket and on the opposite side of said lever therefrom, an endless chain carried by said first and second sprockets and having a reach passing adjacent to said lever for movement in a plane parallel to the plane of pivotal movement of said lever and further including means fixedly engaging said lever to a portion of said reach of said chain intermediate said sprockets whereby rotation of said first mentioned sprocket results in pivotal movement of said lever and of said valve element for opening and closing said open end of said tube. 